We need not fret ourselves here with a technical elucidation of either form of heating.  We may, however, consider some of the claims made for hot water, which is apparently coming to be considered the preferable arrangement for dwelling houses.  There is not a great deal of difference between the essential features of steam and hot-water systems.

It is declared that water will absorb more heat than any other substance, hence will take from the boiler practically all the heat produced in the combustion of fuel.  As the temperature of the water is automatically controlled, the atmosphere of the rooms may be kept at the desired degree, the presence of radiators in each room, all of the same temperature, giving an even heat over the entire house.

There can be no sudden drop in temperature, as the water in the pipes continues to distribute warmth even after the fire has been checked or has been allowed to go out.  The fuel required for an ordinary stove, it is asserted, will warm an entire house with hot water.  An engineer is not required.  Inexperienced persons have no difficulty in operating the ordinary boiler, and there is no danger whatever, because, the makers adduce, for steam heat the maximum pressure is about five pounds, while with hot water there is practically no pressure at all.  Very little water is used, and a connection with the street water system is not imperative, though convenient.

INDIRECT HEATING

Indirect heating is provided by passing air over radiators attached to the ceiling of the basement, thence to the upper rooms.  In the “direct-indirect” system the radiators are placed in the partition walls of the rooms they are to heat, the cold air being brought through a duct and, being heated, passing into the rooms.  These two systems are economical of space and afford provision for excellent ventilation.  They are considerably more expensive, however, than the direct system, which involves exposed radiators.

Radiators are now constructed in many different forms, to fit under windows, in corners, in fireplaces, under cabinets, and so on.  Much effort has been directed also toward relieving their painful ugliness, and if of a neat design appropriately colored they need not be a serious blot upon the decorative scheme of a room.

Radiators, in the direct system, should be placed far enough from the walls to permit free circulation over the heating surfaces, and should not be directly covered at the top.  Ordinarily there are good reasons for putting them near the more exposed places, such as windows and outer doors.  As both steam and hot water furnish a dry heat, provision should be made in every room for evaporation of water.

SUMMARY

With no prejudice against good furnaces, it may be said that hot water apparently affords the greatest possibilities for comfort and regularity of heating, and that there are usually no reasons why it cannot be utilized in country houses.  A hot-water installation is likely to cost twice as much as a furnace, but if we are to live in the house it is better to make our estimates cover ten or twenty years rather than to bear too strongly on first costs.